Short Fiction · Chapter
At the ’Cadian Ball explained
The chapter depicts a lively 'Cadian ball where Calixta captivates the men, especially Bobinôt and Alcée Laballière.
What happens
The chapter depicts a lively 'Cadian ball where Calixta captivates the men, especially Bobinôt and Alcée Laballière. Bobinôt reluctantly attends knowing Calixta will be there, while Alcée flirts with her in the shadows. Their intimate moment is interrupted by Clarisse, who summons Alcée home due to an urgent matter. The narrative also reveals Alcée's earlier rejected advances toward Clarisse and his secret nighttime departure from the plantation after a cyclone destroyed his rice crop.
Themes in this chapter
Desire and Temptation
The chapter centers on Calixta's allure and the romantic tension between her, Alcée, and Bobinôt, with Alcée's flirtation and Calixta's reeling senses embodying temptation.
Social Class and Identity
The contrast between the wealthy planter Alcée and the poorer 'Cadian community, as well as Calixta's Spanish heritage setting her apart, underscores class and ethnic dynamics.
Gender Roles and Independence
Calixta's bold behavior at the ball challenges conventional feminine modesty, while Clarisse's authority in summoning Alcée and her rejection of his advances assert female agency.
Characters to notice
- Calixta
The vivacious Spanish-descended woman at the center of the ball, flirting with Alcée and drawing the attention of Bobinôt.
- Alcée Laballière
The handsome planter who flirts with Calixta at the ball, but is called away by his cousin Clarisse after a prior emotional crisis over his ruined rice crop and rejected love.
- Bobinôt
The good-natured man who reluctantly attends the ball, hopelessly in love with Calixta despite knowing she may favor Alcée.
- Clarisse
Alcée's beautiful and cold cousin, who interrupts his flirtation with Calixta to summon him home, having earlier rejected his passionate declaration of love.
Key passages
“But all the men agreed she was at her best tonight. Such animation! and abandon! such flashes of wit!”
The men unanimously admired Calixta's lively and spirited performance at the ball.
Highlights Calixta's captivating presence and the admiration she receives.
“Alcée! Alcée Laballière! It was not the negro's voice this time; but one that went through Alcée's body like an electric shock, bringing him to his feet. Clarisse was standing there in her riding-habit, where the negro had stood.”
Clarisse's sudden appearance shocks Alcée, interrupting his intimate moment with Calixta.
Marks a turning point where Alcée is called away from the ball by his cousin.
“He would have liked to sweep the place of those visitors, often. Of the men, above all, with their ways and their manners; their swaying of fans like women, and dandling about hammocks. He could have pitched them over the levee into the river, if it hadn't meant murder.”
Alcée felt contempt for the refined male visitors, preferring direct and rugged behavior over their effete manners.
Reveals Alcée's rough, masculine character and his disdain for city-bred gentility.